RED DEER COUNTY – As rain continued to fall in parts of Red Deer County Thursday, county officials lifted the fire restriction it had put in place on April 28.
Effective Thursday morning, fire permits can once again be issued, the county confirmed in a May 15 news release. A fire permit is required for all open fires year-round in the county, except for safe, acceptable residential fire pits.
“While conditions for burning have improved, permit holders are advised to closely monitor the weather, and to continue to check Red Deer County’s website and the Albertafirebans.ca website for any changes and additional information,” the county’s release said.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a rainfall warning for Red Deer County and Mountain View County as well as urban centres near them Monday, forecasting 50 millimetre (mm) to 70 mm to fall would fall in the area between Monday and Tuesday.
Rain continued to fall in the area Wednesday and Thursday but was expected to taper off Thursday afternoon.
“Fire Services will continue to monitor weather patterns. Should dry weather conditions return another fire restriction may be put in place,” the county’s release said.
Mountain View County lifted its fire restriction Tuesday.
